Altronics DataQuest Owner's manual

High Performance Electronic Components

1411 S. Roselle Rd, Schaumburg, IL 60193

Phone 847-923-0002 Fax 847-923-0004

www.AltronicsInc.com

INSTRUCTIONS

Table of Contents

System Overview Page 1

System Software Page 3

Configuration Page 3

Data Review/Analysis Page 3

Real-Time Data Page 3

System Updates Page 3

General System Layout Page 4

General System Install and Wiring Page 5

Sensor Configuration Worksheet Page 7

MCU Main Control Unit Wiring Page 9

SN Sensor Node Wiring Page 11

TSD Touch Screen Display

Page 13

Technical Support Page 14

Warranty Page 15

Trouble Shooting

Page 15

Error Codes

Page 15

Appendix Page 16

System Overview

Thank you for purchasing DATAQUEST!

DATAQUEST utilizes the latest technology in visual high speed, networked, and modular data

acquisition systems. Expandable to a 43 channel capacity.

D

ATAQUEST’s components are comprised of a Main Control Unit (MCU), Networked Sensor

Nodes (SN), high resolution Full Color Touch Screen Dash Display (TSD) (optional), and high

capacity SD card Memory.

Main Control Unit (MCU):

The MCU provides 11 high speed Digital and Analog channels recording @1000 Samples/Sec. . (Dim

6.5"x4.12"x1.12" )

These built in channels include Engine Rpm, Drive Shaft RPM, Clutch or Converter RPM, Battery

Voltage, 3-Axis Accelerometer, and 4 Auxiliary sensor channels (suitable for general purpose or

suspension analysis sensing).

MCU contains secure locking wire harness connections for sub system components, removable SD

memory card for data storage, USB port for Real-Time data monitoring and downloadable firmware

updates to a PC, and GPS port for track mapping capability.

MCU has 4 programmable relayed outputs that can be activated by any channel or sensor value or

warning limit.

See MCU Wiring

for details.

Networked Sensor Nodes (SN):

DATAQUEST’s Sensor Node Modules are connected via a high speed CAN Network recording@100

Sample/Sec.

Each SN can provide 4 sensor inputs for Analog, Digital, EGT, Temperature, Air/Fuel, Position, Flow,

or any other sensor type. Clearly labeled terminal blocks inside the SN allow for easy wire

connections (water resistant) and field trim able cable lengths for clean and easy system installation.

Up to eight SN’s/ 32 sensors can be daisy chain linked through a Single cable.

See NODE Wiring for details.

Touch Screen Dash Display (TSD):

TSD is a full color, high brightness Touch Panel Display. (Dim 8.25"x4.5"x1.25")

This Optional component truly sets the DATAQUEST system apart from the rest. TSD features

System Setup, Real-Time, Record, and Playback modes in both Graph and Gauge screen formats.

TSD will completely replace conventional dash gauges by being able to display up to 40 different

vehicle parameters on a programmable screen. 10 selectable screens can be customized to show

engine RPM and any 4 of up to 40 available channels. Each channel has programmable High/Low

warning limits that can trip outputs and change color on warning. TSD provides recorded data

1

2

playback directly on screen, eliminating need for PC downloading. Select any recorded run and see

data on a Gauge or Graphing formatted Screens. Play, Pause, Fast Forward, or Rewind your data!

TSD can display Shift and Warnings directly on screen eliminating need for “shift” or “warning” lights.

See TSD for details.

SD card memory:

DATAQUEST utilizes Secure Digital (SD) card memory to hold all recorded data, system

configuration file, and error file. These high capacity cards allow for storing literally hundreds of drag

race runs, many road course laps, or hours of straight data recording. The removable SD card allows

for easy transfer of data to your PC for storage and analysis with the Dataquest’s full featured

graphing review software for you PC.

CFG.bin File

The SD card stores the systems Configuration file (CFG.bin). The CFG.bin file holds the setup of the

entire system and should never be deleted from SD card.

Run#.bin File

The SD card also holds the recorded data files. The data files will be labeled as RunX.bin, where X is

the Run # (Example Run1.bin, Run2.bin, Run3.bin,… etc.) Run numbers are automatically

incremented at each recording and can be deleted at any time. Run files can also be copied to your

PC and renamed appropriately.

EFILE.txt Error File

Any time there is an error in the DATAQUEST there will be an EFILE.txt File generated on the SD

card. IF there are NO system errors the SD card will NOT have an EFILE on it. Any existing

EFILE.txt will automatically be delected when error is corrected and system is rebooted. This file can

be opened with any text editing program, such as Microsoft WORD or Notepad, to see list of errors.

See Trouble Shooting for explaination or errors found on EFILE.exe

Instructual Videos:

There are several instructional videos that are highly recommended for viewing in order to learn how

to use your DATAQUEST system. These videos are available on the www.AltronicsInc.com web site,

the included Ultralog CD, and via the Ultralog system HELP.

3

D

ATAQUEST SYSTEM SOFTWARE

ULTRALOG

Electronic Racing Logbook Software:

The Ultralog Electronic Logbook software comes with your DATAQUEST system and not only

provides a complete electronic racing logbook, but also provides the Configuration and Data

Analysis/Review Software for the

DATAQUEST.

Help for using the Ultralog is built into the software and can be found via the HELP menu on the

main screen.

DATAQUEST SYSTEM CONFIGURATION:

The DATAQUEST system is configured (setup) via the Ultralog software. The system SD card

contains a file CFG,bin. This configuration file is generated from the software. This file should be

copied to your PC for backup. TO access the configuration utilitly select CONFIG from the

D

ATAQUEST pull-down Menu from the main

Ultralog

window.

Your system will be fully configured upon receipt. You will only need to edit the CFG.bin if you want

to make changes. A copy of your CFG.bin file is also kept at Altronics and you can email a request

for a change to your config via email [email protected] and we can make the changes for you.

Any time CFG.bin it changed system Power must be cycled after SD card is inserted back into MCU.

Please view the Configuration Tutorial video for instructions.

DATAQUEST DATA ANALYSIS/REVIEW:

The DATAQUEST collected data can be reviewed via the Ultralog software. The system SD card

contains the data files RunX,bin. These data files can be copied to your PC for backup and renamed

appropriately if desired. To access the review application select REVIEW from the DATAQUEST pull-

down Menu from the main

Ultralog

window.

Please view the Review Tutorial video for instructions.

DATAQUEST REAL-TIME Data Viewing:

The DATAQUEST can stream Real-Time data to the Ultralog software via the DATAQUEST Review

software. The DATAQUEST MCU must be connected to your PC via a USB cable To access the

Real-Time application select Realtime from the DATAQUEST REVIEW application menu in the

ULTRALOG.

When D

ATAQUEST is first connected to your PC via a USB cable it will request to install a DRIVER. When prompted

go to the following directory to locate the correct driver. C:\Ultralog\DataQuest\USB Driver\atm6124_cdc.inf

Please view the Real-Time Tutorial video for instructions.

DATAQUEST Firmware and Software Updates:

MCU firmware updates are done via the USB port. Supplied MCU Analog jumper connector must

ONLY be used when updating system. DO NOT plug in this connector unless you are prepared to

update system. Contact Altronics via email [email protected]

for complete instructions.

All software is Windows® Compatible.

General System Layout

Record Switch

Node 3 Node 1

Node 8

Node 2

…

Sensor 2

Sensor 1

Sensor 4

Sensor 3

Sensor 2

Sensor 1

Sensor 4

Sensor 3

Sensor 1

Sensor 2

Sensor 4

Sensor 3

Sensor 1

Sensor 2

Sensor 3

Sensor 4

TSD

MCU

Drive Shaft RPM

Batter

y

+

Ground

Tach

Sensor 3

Sensor 4

Sensor 1

Sensor 2

General Component Install and Wiring

*****IMPORTANT*****

**Magneto Ignitions: Suppression spark plug wires must be used or solid core spark plug wires must be

shielded properly Contact Altronics Inc for Info**

Mounting MCU

The Main Control Unit (MCU) should be mounted in a location that allows access to memory card and USB

ports on back of box. It should also be mounted away from heat sources and at least 18” away from ignition

components. MCU should be mounted level and orientated per the drawing below in order for the internal 3

axis accelerometer to function properly. A small amount of angle can be calibrated out if unit can not be mounted level.

POWER CONNECTIONS

MCU

Top View

Y

axis

X axis

Top of

Vehicle

Front of

Vehicle

1) Power to the DATAQUEST must be supplied from the battery of the car.

2) Red wire (POWER) with in-line (5 amp) fuse must be attached to the (+) Positive terminal of battery.

3) Black wire (Ground) should be attached to the (-)Negative Terminal of Battery or common system chassis

ground point.

TACH/Engine RPM

1) The Tach/Engine Rpm needs to be spliced into the DIGITAL rpm signal output of MSD or similar ignition

system. DO NOT Connect to Ignition Coil. For ignition systems without DIGITAL rpm signal contact

Altronics for proper adapter.

2) Connect WHITE wire from Main Connector of MCU box to Tach Ouput.

Tach

Output

White Wire

Ignition Box

MCU

Side View

XAxis

Level

Front of

Vehicle

Manual Record Activation Switch

If you are going to use the supplied manual record switch instead of the Engine RPM signal to activate

DATAQUEST recording, then connect the VIOLET wire from the Main Connector on the MCU to one side

(terminal) of the Normally Open switch. Connect the other side (terminal) of the switch to ground. Recording

is activated when switch “switches” to ground.

Record

activate

wire

Normally

Open

Switch

MCU

Chassis

Ground

Drive Shaft RPM Sensor

1) Install drive shaft ring of correct size on yolk of rear end housing.

To determine correct ring size measure grip diameter. (refer to drawing below)

Standard Ring Sizes

Ring Part Number Ring Size

R1 - Standard 9” Ford 1.875” I.D.

R2 - Large 9“ Ford 2.187” I.D.

R3 - 12 Bolt 1.75” I.D.

R4 - Custom Contact ALTRONICS INC. for more info.

2) With your car in neutral, spin drive shaft to make sure ring is spinning straight.

3) Install pickup bracket using bolt or stud on rear end housing.

4) Install pickup on bracket Air gap between bottom of pickup and ring should be about 0.100”

5) Connect sensor to Drive Shaft RPM Cable from MCU.

Sensor cable MCU DS

RPM cable

Brown Red

Black Green

Blue Black

6

System Sensor Configuration worksheet

Default parameters and sensors are in BLUE. Fill out additionally installed sensors.

Channel Name Enabled Type

System

Connection

Nod

e

Port Volt

min

Volt

max

Value

min

Value

max

Sample

rate

0 Tachometer Y RPM MCU NA NA 0 12 0 15000 1000S/Sec

1 Drive Shaft Y RPM MCU NA NA 0 5 0 15000 1000S/Sec

2 CC Input Shaft Y RPM MCU NA NA 0 5 0 15000 1000S/Sec

3 Battery Y Voltage MCU NA NA 0 0 1000S/Sec

4 Voltage MCU NA NA 1000S/Sec

5 Voltage MCU NA NA 1000S/Sec

6 Voltage MCU NA NA 1000S/Sec

7 Voltage MCU NA NA 1000S/Sec

8 Acceleration X Y

G Force

MCU Internal

NA NA NA NA -6g 6g 1000S/Sec

9 Acceleration Y Y

G Force

MCU Internal

NA NA NA NA -6g 6g 1000S/Sec

10 Acceleration Z Y

G Force

MCU Internal

NA NA NA NA -6g 6g 1000S/Sec

11

NETWORK

1 1 100S/Sec

12

NETWORK

1 2 100S/Sec

13

NETWORK

1 3 100S/Sec

14

NETWORK

1 4 100S/Sec

15

NETWORK

2 1 100S/Sec

16

NETWORK

2 2 100S/Sec

17

NETWORK

2 3 100S/Sec

18

NETWORK

2 4 100S/Sec

19

NETWORK

3 1 100S/Sec

20

NETWORK

3 2 100S/Sec

8

21

NETWORK

3 3 100S/Sec

22

NETWORK

3 4 100S/Sec

23

NETWORK

4 1 100S/Sec

24

NETWORK

4 2 100S/Sec

25

NETWORK

4 3 100S/Sec

26

NETWORK

4 4 100S/Sec

27

NETWORK

5 1 100S/Sec

28

NETWORK

5 2 100S/Sec

29

NETWORK

5 3 100S/Sec

30

NETWORK

5 4 100S/Sec

31

NETWORK

6 1 100S/Sec

32

NETWORK

6 2 100S/Sec

33

NETWORK

6 3 100S/Sec

34

NETWORK

6 4 100S/Sec

35

NETWORK

7 1 100S/Sec

36

NETWORK

7 2 100S/Sec

37

NETWORK

7 3 100S/Sec

38

NETWORK

7 4 100S/Sec

39

NETWORK

8 1 100S/Sec

40

NETWORK

8 2 100S/Sec

41

NETWORK

8 3 100S/Sec

42

NETWORK

8 4 100S/Sec

Main Control Unit (MCU)

Front Panel

MAIN AUX

MAIN Connector:

Terminal Signal Connecting Sensor Wire Color Cable Name

1 Battery Power + RED

2 Ground - BLACK

3

TACH/RPM

INPUT

WHITE

4 DS PWR Drive Shaft RPM RED DS RPM

5 DS Signal Drive Shaft RPM GREEN DS RPM

6 DS GND Drive Shaft RPM BLACK DS RPM

7 CC PWR Input Shaft RPM RED CC RPM

8 CC Signal Input Shaft RPM GREEN CC RPM

9 CC GND Input Shaft RPM BLACK CC RPM

10 RECORD Record Switch VIOLET

11 OUTPUT 1 GREEN

12 OUTPUT 2 LT GREEN

AUXILLARY Connector:

Terminal Signal Connecting Sensor Wire Color Cable Name

1 A1 PWR Analog 1 RED ANALOG 1

2 A1 Signal Analog 1 WHITE ANALOG 1

3 A1 GND Analog 1 BLACK ANALOG 1

4 A2 PWR Analog 2 RED ANALOG 2

5 A2 Signal Analog 2 WHITE ANALOG 2

6 A2 GND Analog 2 BLACK ANALOG 2

1

3

5

7

9

11

2

4

6

8

10

12

1

3

5

7

9

11

2

4

6

8

10

12

13

14

12345

TSD

CAN (SN)

15

9

3

7

1

5

16

2

8

4

6

7 A3 PWR Analog 3 RED ANALOG 3

8 A3 Signal Analog 3 WHITE ANALOG 3

9 A3 GND Analog 3 BLACK ANALOG 3

10 A4 PWR Analog 4 RED ANALOG 4

11 A4 Signal Analog 4 WHITE ANALOG 4

12 A4 GND Analog 4 BLACK ANALOG 4

13 OUTPUT 3 BLUE

14 OUTPUT 4 LT BLUE

15 FirmwareUpdate Jumper Connector Do Not Connect

16 FirmwareUpdate Jumper Connector See Firmware Updates

OUPUT CHANNELS 1-4: Output channels are activated on warnings set up in the DataQuest System

Configuration software. Outputs are Normally Open and with activated warning close to provide 12 volts

(Battery Voltage). They have a Maximum 1 AMP capacity, so if switching more then a 1 AMP load a

secondary relay should be used.

CAN Network Connector:

Terminal Signal Sensor Wire Color

1 CANH Sensor Nodes BLUE

2 CANL Sensor Nodes BROWN

3 GND Sensor Nodes BLACK

4 BATTERY + Sensor Nodes RED

5 5 VOLT + Sensor Nodes WHITE

TSD Touch Screen Display Connector:

Terminated cable, no connections required.

Rear Panel

10

US

B

G

P

S

R

ec

P

ower

Sts

S

D

C

ARD

LEDS:

Power – Solid when system powered

Rec- Blicks during normal mode, Solid during recording mode

Sts – System error status. No light – OK, Solid - system or memory card error.

USB:

Connect for REAL-TIME interface to PC and System Firmware updates

GPS:

Connect to GPS module

SD Card:

Sd Memory card – Supplied by Altronics, do not use other memory card.

Sensor Node (SN) Box Wiring

11

Sensor Node (SN) boxes are wired from MCU CAN Network connector

. SN’s DO NOT

have to be wired in their numbered order. (Example: If your system has 3 SN boxes,

you can connect SN box #1, then 3, then 2 in the chain.)

1) Measure wire length to extend to other end of Node box.

2) Trim off 2” of insulation taking care not to nick shield wire.

3) Remove foil and trim of green wire even with end of insulation. Slide 1” of heat

shrink of end of insulation and shrink it.

4) Trim 3/16” of insulation from each wire. It is recommended to tin the end of each

wire with solder if available. It makes it easier to put wire into terminal and holds

better when tightened.

5) Crimp solder-less terminal to end of shield wire and screw to Shield Lug.

6) IMPORTANT. If the Node is the Last one in the network (at the end of the cable

farthest from the MCU) you must place JUMPER on the Terminating Jumper.

Shrink

tube

Shield Lug

Terminating

Jumper

12

7)

If additional Nodes are being connected then install second Network Cable in

same fashion.

8) IMPORTANT – If this Node is NOT the Last Node in Network DO NOT install

Terminating Jumper.

See back cover of Node Box for Wiring Diagram.

Terminating

Jumper

Touch Screen Display (TSD)

The TSD connects to the MCU via the supplied cable. The TSD should be mounted in a location that

is assecible and visible to the driver. It should also be mounted away from heat sources and at least

18” away from ignition components.

The TSD can be mounted utilizing a 5”x4” piece of industrial Velcro or using 4 mounting holes on the

back of the panel. Rubber mounted standoffs can be used in place of mounting screws(Contact

Altronics for more info) Remove one screw at a time from mounting location holes and replace with

standoff.

Use caution in mounting TSD and verify it is secure.

Use the TSD Mounting template on following page as a reference.

IMPORTANT: After connecting and powering system. Go to the MAIN Menu on the TSD and Verify

the system “READY” message is present. If “ERROR” message is present go to Trouble Shooting

section.

13

8.213

0.962

Mounting Methods A or B

A) 5"x4" Adhesive velcro

B) Replace mounting screws with rubber mounted

standoffs from Altronics. (Note: Do not remove all 4

mounting screws at once, replace each one at a

time.)

SIZE

A

DWG. NO.

SCALE: 1

WEIGHT:

Altronics Inc IS

SHEET 1 OF 1

REV

5

TITLE:

PROPRIETARY AND CONFIDENTIAL

PROHIBITED.

Altronics Inc

1011 1.2

4

3

2

1

THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN THIS

DRAWING IS THE SOLE PROPERTY OF

Altronics Inc ANY

REPRODUCTION IN PART OR AS A WHOLE

WITHOUT THE WRITTEN PERMISSION OF

DataQuest TSD

Mounting Template

X

Mounting Holes

X

Mounting Holes

X

6.200

4.539

7.200

0.460

3.400

0.364

1.000

0.610

THIS SIDE UP

Verify size after

printing

TECHNICAL SUPPORT

Email: T[email protected]

When sending a unit in for repair or update: Fill out a “Service Form” which is available from the

Technical Support Section of our website-> www.AltronicsInc.com

WARRANTY

The D

ATAQUEST by is warranted for 1 Year against any defect in materials

and workmanship from date of purchase. ALL WARRANTIES AND GUARANTEES ARE VOID if the

DATAQUEST enclosures are opened or altered or is equiptement is connected to system that is

not supplied or authorized by Altronics Inc. Sensors are warranted for 30 days.

shall not be liable for injury, consequential, or other types of damages resulting

from the use or misuse of the DATAQUEST.

DATAQUEST is to be used for racing purposes only!

Trouble Shooting

The indication of an Error Message

on the TSD or Error Light on the MCU will generate

an EFILE on the SD card. Copy this EFILE to your PC and open it with a text editor

program such as Microsoft WORD or Notepad. You will see an error listed that will

explain the problem.

EFILE Error Codes

Error Message Possible Problem Possible Solution

Node # error Node “#” is not responsing Check Connection and Make Sure Node Power

and status Led are indicating correctly

Node # did not ack

config address XXXX

Node ‘#” did not receive configuration

data at location XXXX

Reboot system. Check Connection and Make

Sure Node Power and Status Led are indicating

correctly

IOERR:Log System not responding during recording Reboot and check for EFILE,SD card corrupt

Error = X X X X System not receiving data samples Reboot and check for EFILE,SD card corrupt

If Error Light is lit and there is no EFILE.txt on SD card:

1) There is no SD card in MCU!!!, Put SD card in MCU and reboot system.

2) The SD CARD is LOCKED, unLOCK SD card in MCU and reboot system.

If there is any error message on TSD and you correct the error, you will still need to

reboot system to remove error message from TSD.

Email [email protected] with Error Code and EFILE.txt to resolve error code issues.

15

Appendix

Channel A connection between a sensor or signal and data recorder.

Analog Channel or sensor that has many input/ouput levels typically

between 0-5 volts.

Digital Channel or sensor the has only two input/output levels. ON

or OFF, 0 or 1. Example: Toggle switch, Wide open throttle

switch.

SD card Memory card the holds data recorded from system. Typically

has 2 GB (Giga byte of data)

MCU Main Control Unit of DataQuest

Sensor Node Control Box that connects various sensors to DataQuest

system via CAN network cable.

TSD Touch Screen Display Module for DataQuest.

CAN Network Communication Bus that allows Sensor Nodes to

communication and send data over a single cable.

USB Port Universal Serial Bus port. Standard connection method

Between PC and data recorder.

Firmware Program Code that is programmed into the DataQuest

system at chip level.

Software Program code the runs on Personal Computer to operate

Dataquest system

Reboot Cycle Power on DataQuest to reinitialize system.

16

Altronics DataQuest Owner's manual

Altronics DataQuest Owner's manual

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